Cantor Marci Vitkus

Rabbi Harold F. Caminker has joined the Jewish Congregation of Venice as of August 10, 2015. He holds a Master's Degree and was ordained as a Rabbi at Hebrew Union College. He is the proud father of three beautiful daughters.

Music has always been a part of the Jewish people.We find song to be the language of choice at many dramatic moments. "Thus sang Moses and the Children of Israel," after the crossing of the Red Sea. Later, we have the Song of The Well in Numbers, the Song of Devorah in Judges and the Song of David in Kings. These songs are outpourings of gladness and gratitude to God. Music took on new significance with the construction of the Temple at Jerusalem. From the moment that King David "danced with all his strength," in front of the Holy Ark, all religious ceremonies would be accompanied by music. In the Temple itself, there was a choir with some instrumental accompaniment that sang as the daily and special occasion sacrifices were brought. At the Jewish Congregation of Venice we continue this long tradition of music as part of our worship. It is a tool for us to communicate with G-d, to feel spiritually connected to our people over the generations, and to be a personal expression of pure joy. It is my utmost desire to bring peace and contemplative moments to the service. Shabbat is also a time of delight and rejoicing, as it says in the Yismchu prayer. At the appropriate moments in the service, we also raise our voices in song and our hands in clapping.We have a congregational choir on the first Friday of each month, which includes instruments, too, just as they did long ago. We hope you will come join us for Shabbat and experience the kavanah we share as a congregation.